by M Howson
Amy was wondering if it was time to get ready for the party when she heard a knock on the door.
‘Are you going anywhere?’ She opened the door to Monica who was carrying a small bag.
‘Came to see you, - if you have to ask!’ She said slipping past Amy. ‘Besides, I have nowhere to stay.’
‘You haven’t?’ She closed the door.
‘I am only joking girl! I haven’t seen you for days. We have some catching up to do.’ She put her belongings on a chair and inspected the lavishly furnished room. ‘I thought we could get ready together, - you know, just like when we were young and carefree.’
‘That was in another lifetime.’ Amy laughed.
‘It was… I was eighteen, ready to party every night.’
‘Those years flew by. Want a drink?’
‘Thought you’d never ask.’
Amy fixed Monica a Martini and topped up her gin and tonic. ‘I’m listening. Tell me all about Jack.’ She said excitedly.
‘Only when you tell me about Justin.’
‘There is not much to tell.’ She said, looking away.
‘Oh come on Miss Secretive.’
‘There isn’t Monica, honestly.’ Even if Amy wanted to talk about Justin, she didn’t know where this relationship was going. A friendship more likely…. They’d spent a night together and that was all. She hadn’t seen him much since. Maybe she was mistaken – he wasn’t looking for anything else, just fun.
‘All right, I get it! If you don’t want to tell me, then don’t… moving on, - we are flying home tomorrow. Have you had time to look around, do the tourist things?’
For a moment Amy considered filling Monica in on her brand-new family. She will find out sooner or later, still; better if it came from her.
‘Here is a story for you Monica. I have actually been very busy discovering my roots.’
‘Your what?’
Amy proceeded to tell Monica about her new found family.
‘…and this makes Frank Orban my very own Great Uncle!’
Monica stared at Amy in disbelief. ‘What is a Great Uncle?!’
‘My father’s mother Eva, had a brother who emigrated to America before the second world war, that brother is our Frank Orban.’
‘Of course, - Frank had kept things close to his heart – but this is a surprise.’
‘Tell me about it, I am still in shock, but it is true – I have verified Frank’s story.’
‘If the media hears of this, they will take you apart.’ Monica said. ‘Sorry I didn’t mean to say that.’ She added embarrassed.
‘You are right Monica I know what they are capable of. Frank is a major player back home. I am sure he will have his people fix it.’
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. It was getting late, time to get ready.
There were two girls; a blonde and a brunette, standing in the doorway.
‘Hello Miss Blakes, we are here to help you get ready.’ The blonde said, with a massive smile.
‘To help?’ Monica enquired.
‘At the request of Mr Orban.’
‘Oh, Frank?’
‘Come in.’ Amy said. ‘What can you do?’
‘We can do make up, hair and we have dresses for you, a late Christmas gift from Mr Orban.’
‘Frank doesn’t disappoint!’ Monica said, smiling at the girls, who moved swiftly to the bathroom to set up. The bathroom was a state of wonder, with marble tiled floor, a deep red leather daybed and a glass topped table. Masses of deep red roses in crystal vases reflected in the full length mirrored walls.
‘I could get used to this.’ Monica said. ‘I know luxury but this is something else.’
‘What a difference it makes having my makeup done by an expert.’ Amy admired the work of the brunette as she expertly styled her hair.
The girls worked quickly, Monica and Amy were ready, waiting, when Frank arrived.
‘Frank?!’ Monica was surprised to see Frank in a black suit. Monica’s dress was made of red silk, embellished with tiny black flowers.
‘Monica you are looking a million dollars - dress is perfect.’ He winked. ‘The perfect dress, I mean… you ready?’
‘No! Yes, of course I am ready. Thanks for the compliment Frank.’ Amy’s story flashed through her mind. She needed a minute to compose herself.
‘Amy has told you!’ Frank stated the obvious.
‘Yes, she did. Women talk Frank!’
‘Why do you think I haven’t got a wife?’
‘Because, you haven’t found the one yet Frank!’
‘There is a patch for every old sack – as the saying goes!’ Frank said with mischief twinkling in his eyes.
‘What?’
‘It’s an old proverb Monica. I heard it today from the maid.’
‘Interesting…. I suppose it makes sense - in some situations.’ She mused.
Amy rushed in, worried that she was late but it didn’t matter, she looked glamorous wearing the little black dress Frank had sent over.
‘My two best girls looking stunning! Let the old man have a kiss.’ He pulled them both close to him and deposited a kiss on their cheeks.
‘Don’t let anyone catch you Frank.’ Amy said.
‘With you two by my side, - who can resist?’
‘Are we ready to go?’
‘Where are Jack and Justin?’ Monica wanted to know.
‘They have left already. I wanted you two for myself.’
‘Where are we going?’ Amy asked, wrapping a soft pashmina around her shoulders.
‘Let it be a surprise.’ Frank replied.
****
After leaving the countryside behind, they drove through brightly lit narrow streets, cobbled squares, followed by a stone bridge connecting the city over the river Danube.
‘We have arrived girls.’ Frank informed them. ‘It’s the happening nightclub of the city and our party is here.’
In a private room, the film crew was already seated at a long table. The manager rushed forward, giving orders to the hovering waiters. The girls were ushered to their seats, offered a drink and the menu. Amy found herself sitting next to Justin and Jack with Monica by his side. Frank was at the top of the table getting ready to say a few words.
‘I do hope we are not too late, women take forever getting ready.’ He laughed. ‘We have reached the end of a successful few days. I’d like to thank all of you for the work you put into this movie and with your help – we should see a good result.’ Frank continued as he thanked people individually, surprising some that he knew who they were and what they did.
‘Well done Frank.’ Jack said when Frank finally sat down. ‘I didn’t think you could give a speech!’
‘Well, I can! Get used to it old man.’ Frank replied, ordering a steak from the waiter.
Amy felt Justin placing his hand gently on her thigh under the table. She reached out to remove his hand but he held it down. ‘Ok, we are holding hands ….?!’ She said.
‘I haven’t seen you for days.’ Justin whispered, giving her an appreciative look.
‘You haven’t.’ She took a sip of the glass of champagne Justin placed in front of her. ‘I have been busy.’
‘Busy, how….?’
‘Researching my family tree.’
‘You surprise me. How are things with Frank?’
‘All right!’
Justin got the message, she didn’t want to talk about it.
Amy studied the menu printed on white card.
‘What are you having?’ Justin asked. ‘Our chance to taste some traditional food.’
‘I don’t know, what is the Eszterhazy Rostelyos?’ She asked glancing at the menu, not fully concentrating.
Frank sensed the tension between them. ‘You have to try it Amy, Hungarians are very hospitable. They just want to feed you, and want to see a clean plate, afterwards.’
‘Yes, darling Uncle Frank …..’ Amy said smiling, when she noticed all of them looking at Frank. ‘C
ome on people, you all know, it is written all over your faces.’
‘We are very happy for you two Amy.’ Jack said sincerely.
‘I am fortunate Jack …’ She smiled affectionately at Frank who suddenly felt an overwhelming feeling of joy.
‘Now! The man has spoken Amy, let him have his way, order something and pretend to eat. If you don’t like it, drop some food under the table; - nobody will notice.’
‘Jack!’ Monica shouted at him, shocked.
‘Yes darling? May I say you are looking wonderful tonight!’ He said turning on the charm quickly. ‘It was only a joke.’
‘Yes Jack I know!’ Monica said.
The head waiter volunteered to help with the menu. ‘If you would care to sample a selection of dishes.’
‘Good idea man.’ Frank said. ‘Do not forget my steak first.’
‘Food feast people, loosen your belts.’ Jack announced as a matter of fact.
‘What’s new Jack?’ Justin said.
‘Nothing changed kid, we are the same.’
The waiters were busy filling the table with dishes of distinction. Everyone was enjoying the meal.
‘Look Amy,’ Justin searched for the right words. ‘It will be a busy time for all of us when we are back home.’
‘Yes it will be but you don’t need to explain Justin. Why do I have a feeling you are preparing for a speech?’
‘I am saying, that …. Frank’s movie is number one on the list.’
‘We all know that! Come on what are you trying to say?’
‘What I’m saying is this; I do want to see you Amy but…..’
‘Amy darling make an old man happy – dance with me.’ Frank, not waiting for an answer, led Amy to the dance floor.
That was that – Justin thought. Amy had a new family, Monica was off with Jack, and he needed to see Don, who had been working quietly in the background reporting to Justin that his label was doing fine. Justin was pleased about that, on reflection it had been a good choice not to sell. Things will be back to normal by tomorrow in LA, - yet nothing will be the same!
Chapter Twenty Six
Back in Los Angeles, Amy found herself working long hours at Frank’s office. She was learning about his massive enterprise. He wanted to teach her everything, but Amy insisted on keeping things the way they were. Frank offered Amy his car, his house and company credit cards.
She turned everything down including the car; she had her own. Paco was keen to work and seemed to enjoy his job, much to his mother’s delight. Weeks passed but there was no sign of Justin. He supplied her with his private number but she had no reason to call him.
They worked together on the movie but Justin was always very busy. Monica dropped by her house many times but she carefully avoided talking about Justin.
Monica was fun, she was up for anything. Undeniably she was busy with the movie but she still found time for her. She invited Amy to a range of events, from a dinner in a fancy restaurant to a celebrity party. Amy learned quickly that people were not what they seemed, especially those who knew she worked for Frank.
After weeks of practice, she became an expert in dealing with unwanted questions and people.
‘How was Frank darling?’ A famous actress enquired at a party.
‘What do you mean?’ Amy asked.
‘Oh honey, you don’t need to pretend. I know! I’ve been there myself.’ She said, flashing a brilliant smile.
‘Where?’
‘Don’t tell me you didn’t sleep with Frank to get the job?’ She blurted out, holding on to her escort and a glass of champagne.
She wasn’t the only one; whispering or bluntly asking questions seemed to be the trend.
Monica explained. ‘Ignore them Amy. It’s only jealousy.’
Amy also found people sticking phone numbers into her hand or better - cleavage. She was astonished. And there was Ed! – who tried very hard to get up close and personal, but Amy simply brushed him aside.
After these initial experiences, Monica invited her for a weekend at her beach house which was near to Jack’s. ‘I’ve just bought it.’ She said excitedly. ‘I needed a house Amy, this is the one. I know it’s close to Jack’s but not that close. By the way, he’s the one who told me about it.’
Monica was happy, she talked about the celebrity world, but she didn’t think Amy found it easy to handle.
‘You have to play their game Amy. Some of these people are nasty but generally harmless. Our movie shows life in this city wasn’t always this full on. Yes, there were actresses and silly blondes but they did everything in a classy way. This leads me to the movie, again.’ She apologised. ‘Can you imagine a Femme Fatale these days at home? She would probably be wearing a track suit and no makeup or out for the night getting publicly wasted! – but, there are nice actors as well in Hollywood. I do have friends,… anyway, - remember Amy you are Frank’s employee in their eyes – you have a massive influence. That’s why you will be inundated with invitations to events and people wanting to be friends, - but you know this anyway! I have been listening to you! Nobody can get to you.’
‘What did you hear?’ Amy asked, laughing.
Monica started to laugh too. ‘I am sorry, but I enjoyed every single answer you gave them!’
‘You did? Tell me….’
‘I sleep with Frank, of course, and with his dog and his secretary, who is a man by the way. We have this huge waterbed, imagine the sex you can have. Oh, the dog is great!’
‘I said that?’ Amy laughed.
‘Also, when you told an upcoming actor about the size of his manhood!’
‘I did?’ She laughed helplessly.
‘You stood there staring at him not believing the question he asked you. Then you looked him up and down, fixed your eyes on his bulge and asked. - George is it? What is the size of your feet?’
‘Uh, why? Size nine.’
‘Too small.’
‘Small?’
‘You know what they say? Men with big feet are well equipped, small feet, not worth the trip.’
‘Oh my God! Did I say that Monica?’
‘You did sweetie and his face was a picture – I loved it.’
.
****
Frank was busy keeping the press out of his business. People talked and word quickly got around that he was making a new movie. Investors were queuing up but he didn’t need them. Then the call from Don came in. He informed him that there was a busy young girl, a reporter sniffing around his past.
That, Frank didn’t appreciate. All these years he’d succeeded in keeping his private life out of the papers, he was not going to let them in now. He called Jack.
‘I am two doors away from you Frank, you saving your legs man?’
The movie became Jack’s life as well. He thought of the empty days he used to spend doing nothing and couldn’t understand how he survived. Being part of this movie was like being part of a big family and of course being close to Monica. He didn’t interfere with anything but was there if anyone needed him, and they did. The crew appreciated Jack’s extensive experience in the business.
‘Always the same Jack, not enough time. We have a problem.’ Frank stated.
‘Tell me something new Frank.’
‘Paparazzi Jack!’
‘I’m not surprised.’
‘How come?’
‘Meet me on the second floor bar in five.’
Frank found Jack by the bar, puffing on a cigar, surrounded by women. They were hanging on his every word. When they saw Frank arriving, they discreetly disappeared.
‘Always women, this is a deep-rooted problem – if you ask me Jack.’
‘Deep rooted what? What you been reading Frank? I love women – that’s the bottom line!’
Frank sat down on a bar stool and ordered a coffee. ‘What’s the story Jack? There is something going on and I don’t like it.’
‘All right, hear this; a top looking blonde appeared by my house the other night
. Usual hoax; her car broke down. Happened after I got home, I could’ve sworn she followed me to my house. Security reported she was alone, they checked her car – no problems. It wasn’t a unique excuse, that’s why I thought it was real. Nonetheless, maybe that’s why it looked suspicious.’
‘I know what you’re saying Jack.’ Frank nodded, finishing his espresso.
‘I was surprised though when she tried to question security about you. She thought it was your house Frank!’
‘What?’
‘She prattled on that she was a huge fan, etc. It's on tape Frank, you can look at it.’ Jack paused for a minute to reward a pretty actress with a smile. ‘Thinking about it….I had a blonde stalker in a restaurant, wanting to get to know me before the trip. Her story failed her, she was a set up.’
‘Paparazzi!’
‘Amy,… is big time news Frank.’
‘I’ll take care of it.’
‘Do that Frank.’
‘My man is on it but be ready – it looks like we are getting a turn in the gossip columns.’
‘I will cope!’
Frank’s busy detective, Mr Green, reported back that afternoon.
‘A young girl called Mia Serone was sent by one of the tabloid magazines to get some information from Mr Harvey about you, Mr Orban. Rumour has it that Amy and you are an item. The age difference is big and that’s what they’re counting on. There is no mention of family but you, Mr Orban, don’t usually make the gossip pages – now that’s big news. A front-page article is about to hit the newsstands in the next couple of days.’
‘Thank you, excellent as ever.’
Mr Green murmured a thank you to Frank and left quietly.
Don was already working to stop the press printing. ‘Do you wish me to proceed Frank?’
‘Give them what they want Don! I have prepared a surprise for the lot of them!’ Frank indeed had a surprise ready; it was time to put things into perspective.
Chapter Twenty Seven
‘No, no, not like that darling.’ Jack whispered to a platinum blonde actress proficiently made up for the camera. They were on the set of State Of Mind; she was dressed in a black silk evening gown edged with a soft lace. ‘You are the glamour that we need sweetheart but you need to show it, play with the camera sugar. Femme Fatale!’